Presidents Society
In 1851 the Rev. George Bowman checked his horse on the Hilltop and vowed to build a Methodist-related college. From that day to this, donors have made all the difference for Cornell College. The Presidents Society (originally Presidents Club) was established in 1971 to recognize Cornell College alumni and friends who make a strong statement of support to enrich all aspects of a Cornell education.
In many ways, the Presidents Society embodies the spirit of those founding fathers, who felt that education was a critical part of a civilized society. By their contributions, alumni and friends of the college carry on the spirit of elder Bowman in believing that this college can, will, and has made a difference in the life of the world.
The shared vision and leadership support of Presidents Society members help ensure Cornell's position as a distinctive liberal arts college. Because of their generosity, Cornell is better equipped to meet today's needs and tomorrow's challenges.
The Presidents Society
A Society of Leaders
“Cornell's leadership donors enable the college to educate the leaders of tomorrow – young people who anticipate, respond to, and guide change, and who make the world a better place for all of us.”
Les Garner, Cornell College president 1994-2010
The Presidents Society is the annual giving society of Cornell College that honors and recognizes the most generous contributors to the continued success of the college. Established in 1971, the Presidents Society represents a group of committed alumni, parents, and friends who make annual gifts to the college of $2,000 or more. *
The generosity of this select group enables Cornell to enhance the outstanding academic, leadership, and service-learning experiences it offers to its students. Presidents Society members serve as the momentum behind Cornell's rising position of prominence in higher education.
Member Benefits
As a member of the Presidents Society you receive:
- An invitation to the annual Presidents Society dinner
- Three insider presidential White Papers each year
- Special communications from the President of the College
- Distinctive recognition in the Annual Report & Honor Roll of Donors
- The knowledge and pride of contributing to the success of Cornell College
As a Presidents Society member, you help shape the future of education at Cornell and improve the lives of future students. The support of Presidents Society members enables the college to meet the evolving challenges of providing the best in education. Excellent faculty, small classes, strong scholarship support, and outstanding programs and facilities are central to the Cornell experience.
Joining the Presidents Society
You are invited to take this opportunity to become a part of Cornell's philanthropic leadership by joining the Presidents Society. You may also take advantage of your employer's matching gift program to qualify for membership. Cornell's fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.
Presidents Society Giving Levels - named after some of Cornell's past presidents - are recognized in the Honor Roll of Donors as
$500,000 & above Founders Society
$250,000 - $499,999 Richard W. Keeler Society
$50,000 - $249,999 James E. Harlan Society
$25,000 - $49,999 Charles W. Flint Society
$10,000 - $24,999 Herbert J. Burgstahler Society
$5,000 - $9,999 Samuel M. Fellows Society
$2,000 - $4,999 Harlan Updegraff Society
*In 2010, the Presidents Society was updated to reflect the
outstanding levels of generosity reached by donors to Cornell. This change
has resulted in an adjustment to other giving clubs as well. Building
on the success of the Extraordinary Opportunities Campaign, the minimum level
for Presidents Society membership has changed from $1,500 to $2,000
effective with the current 2010-2011 fiscal year. Special membership
levels are available to alumni who graduated within the past 10 years
(see Young Presidents Society below).
The Young Presidents Society
Become a leader in your class by joining the Young Presidents Society and enjoy the full benefits of Presidents Society membership. Special membership levels are available to alumni who graduated within the past 10 years. After 10 years following graduation, the Presidents Society membership level is $2,000.
Young Presidents Society giving level: $100 per year following graduation for the first 10 years (first year out $100, second year $200, third year $300, etc.)
"Right now Cornell has tremendous momentum in terms of what we have done. I think there's a new sense of enthusiasm, but that won't continue unless we make it continue and that requires the ongoing effort of all parties, the faculty, the trustees, the board and the alums. I really believe Cornell's future can be better than its past, we can move up and be an even more highly regarded institution." Jim McWethy '65
Every Presidents Society gift enriches the quality of teaching and learning at Cornell. By your membership, you join many other alumni and friends to express your continued interest, pride and support of Cornell College.
Make your gift to Cornell College
